Who are America's regional allies in the fight against Isis?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/15/americas-regional-allies-isis-rival-agendas

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Iraq

The new government of Haider al-Abadi, in the spotlight at the Paris conference, has pledged to fight Isis and to be more inclusive than its sectarian predecessor. But it urgently needs to improve military performance and to win the support of alienated Sunnis. Air strikes alone will not defeat the jihadis, who include Saddam Hussein-era military men. Plans are being discussed to create local national guard units. Kurdish Peshmerga forces also need to be more effective.

Syria

Bashar al-Assad would like to be asked to join the anti-Isis coalition and emphasises his "anti-terrorist" credentials. But the US and UK have made clear they will not accept this. Nor will the Gulf Arabs and the Syrian opposition, who blame Assad for massacres and war crimes and see him as their principal enemy. Attacks on Isis strongholds will need to be backed up by more effective Syrian rebel capabilities on the ground – raising tough questions for the US, UK and other western backers.

Turkey

Nato's only Muslim member is not prepared to mount attacks against Isis or allow its military bases to be used for US air strikes against Iraq or Syria. It will support humanitarian action only. Ankara's decision echoes its refusal to allow the US to station troops in Turkey for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Fears for fate of Turkish hostages held by Isis. Under pressure to control its long border with Syria more effectively to deny access to jihadis. US hopes it will stop oil exports from Isis-held areas. The coalition's weakest link.

Iran

Not at Paris conference, not invited to join US-led coalition and critical of the motives of participants – especially its arch-rival Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, whom it blames for anti-Shia sectarianism. But Tehran is working with Shia and Kurdish militias to fight Isis in Iraq while continuing to support Assad. There has been intriguing speculation about secret cooperation with the US, perhaps via Russia or other backchannels.

Jordan

Nervous about overt involvement in US-led effort but keen to put its vaunted intelligence capabilities and special forces at the disposal of coalition. Has allowed discreet CIA training for Syrian rebels. Worries about domestic backlash from Sunni extremists. Hosting millions of Syrian refugees and desperate for western financial help to cope with the burden.

Lebanon

Fears de-stabilisation and attacks from Syria-based extremists. Already hosting millions of Syrian refugees. Hezbollah actively supports Syrian forces and taunts Obama for not being serious about fighting Isis – and being too close to the Gulf. Prime Minister Tammam Salam has warned that the spread of Isis poses "a big test that our destiny depends on".

Saudi Arabia

Frightened by Isis and stung by international criticism that it created it – a misreading of its enthusiastic backing for anti-Assad fighters. Now advertising a domestic crackdown on extremists and funding for jihadis in Syria and Iraq. Has been asked to use media and religious establishment for anti-radicalisation message. Has agreed to US request to train Syrian rebels and is reportedly prepared to use air power against Isis. Worries about strengthening Assad and Iran.

UAE

The most assertive power in the Gulf, obsessed by the threat from Islamists ranging from the Muslim Brotherhood to al-Qaida and Isis and happy to blur the huge differences between them. Believed to have offered to use its air force to attack Isis. Recently bombed Islamist targets in Libya from bases in Egypt without admitting to it. Wants wider action against jihadis in Yemen and north Africa.

Qatar

Fabulously wealthy emirate that has backed the Muslim Brotherhood across the Arab world, especially in Egypt, and used al-Jazeera TV as a cheerleader for the changes of the Arab spring. Like the Saudis, backed anti-Assad Islamist rebels in Syria to the point of recklessness and is now being attacked for supporting Isis. It insists that it does not, but it does have links to Jabhat al-Nusra, an extremist Syrian group. Signs that it is lowering its profile under Gulf and western pressure. Has carried out humanitarian relief work.

Kuwait

Under pressure to cut off private donations to Isis. Wealthy businessmen played a big role in funding anti-Assad rebels.

Bahrain

To host a conference on how to cut off funding to Isis.

Egypt

Backs the campaign against Isis but wants a wider international effort against the jihadis of Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, an al-Qaida affiliate operating in Sinai. Complains that US Apache helicopters have not been delivered to fight its own "war on terror". Apparently using the Isis crisis to advance its own interests. Egypt's grand mufti condemned the terror group as un-Islamic. But there are signs that it sees Assad as the lesser evil in Syria.